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Michael Fuhr
River Currents
Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission
Commissioners
Dr. Riley Needham
Chairman
Gerald Hilsher
Vice-Chair
John Larson
Secretary/Treasurer
Staff
Ed Fite
Administrator
Cheryl Allen
Administrative Manager
Cassandra Carter
Education Outreach
Coordinator
Bill James
Ranger Supervisor
James Hickman
Maintenance Supervisor
Josh Baird
Maintenance Department
Charlie Thurber
Maintenance Department
Monte Bradford
Larry Clark
Randy Corp
Rick Stubblefield
Steve Randall
Archie “Trey” Peyton, III
David Spears
Jeff Bashaw
Volume 9 Issue 3 October 2012
Upcoming Election Important to Future of OK’s Water
Ed Fite, Administrator
E-mail: ed.fite@oklahomascenicrivers.net
Phone: 918-456-3251
For nearly three decades, I’ve been privileged to serve our state and its citizens in
working to protect and preserve Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Areas, and to presently serve Governor
Mary Fallin as a member of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
Over the years, I have participated in countless administrative and public meetings,
court proceedings and other efforts in partnership with sister state agencies to ensure the
balance between the robust economic use and preservation of Oklahoma’s water resources.
As Oklahoma history purports, neither has to be mutually exclusive of the other.
One such issue that I’ve witnessed dates back to 1985, when Governor George Nigh
had the foresight to initiate efforts to enact legislation to set aside $25 million for the Oklahoma
Water Resources Board’s use as leverage to fund bonding for Oklahoma communities to
access low-interest loans with rates much lower than the open market to finance water and
wastewater infrastructure. The Governor’s foresight to-date has resulted in more than $1
billion of much needed infrastructure throughout small, medium and large communities.
Earlier this year, the legislature adopted the 2012 Oklahoma Comprehensive
Water Plan that identified an $82 billion need to address Oklahoma’s water and wastewater
infrastructure over the next 50 years. Without this infrastructure, our state cannot guarantee
a balance between a vibrant economy and healthy environment.
While the Oklahoma Water Resources Board provides a very successful grant and
loan program that continues to be rated as a AAA program, it’s estimated that the agency will
not be able to satisfy the projected demand in the OCWP to fund our state’s communities
future needs for infrastructure without additional funding being made available to it. Particularly,
the greatest need over the next 50 years will be in small to medium-sized communities;
currently, some 75%+/- of the OWRB’s infrastructure funding is being used by these
communities.
Governor Mary Fallin and members of the 2nd Session of the 53rd Oklahoma Legislature
were quick to understand our state’s infrastructure needs as identified in the OCWP. As a
result they authorized State Question 764 be added to the November 6th General Election
Ballot in order to ensure adequate supplies of safe, clean and potable water for this and
future generations of Oklahomans.
If State Question 764 is passed by our state’s citizens, it will ensure the OWRB is able
to leverage bonding to continue providing for our communities water and wastewater
infrastructure needs through 2060.
A stunning view of the fall foliage
from Echota Public Access Area.

Michael Fuhr
River Currents
Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission
Commissioners
Dr. Riley Needham
Chairman
Gerald Hilsher
Vice-Chair
John Larson
Secretary/Treasurer
Staff
Ed Fite
Administrator
Cheryl Allen
Administrative Manager
Cassandra Carter
Education Outreach
Coordinator
Bill James
Ranger Supervisor
James Hickman
Maintenance Supervisor
Josh Baird
Maintenance Department
Charlie Thurber
Maintenance Department
Monte Bradford
Larry Clark
Randy Corp
Rick Stubblefield
Steve Randall
Archie “Trey” Peyton, III
David Spears
Jeff Bashaw
Volume 9 Issue 3 October 2012
Upcoming Election Important to Future of OK’s Water
Ed Fite, Administrator
E-mail: ed.fite@oklahomascenicrivers.net
Phone: 918-456-3251
For nearly three decades, I’ve been privileged to serve our state and its citizens in
working to protect and preserve Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Areas, and to presently serve Governor
Mary Fallin as a member of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
Over the years, I have participated in countless administrative and public meetings,
court proceedings and other efforts in partnership with sister state agencies to ensure the
balance between the robust economic use and preservation of Oklahoma’s water resources.
As Oklahoma history purports, neither has to be mutually exclusive of the other.
One such issue that I’ve witnessed dates back to 1985, when Governor George Nigh
had the foresight to initiate efforts to enact legislation to set aside $25 million for the Oklahoma
Water Resources Board’s use as leverage to fund bonding for Oklahoma communities to
access low-interest loans with rates much lower than the open market to finance water and
wastewater infrastructure. The Governor’s foresight to-date has resulted in more than $1
billion of much needed infrastructure throughout small, medium and large communities.
Earlier this year, the legislature adopted the 2012 Oklahoma Comprehensive
Water Plan that identified an $82 billion need to address Oklahoma’s water and wastewater
infrastructure over the next 50 years. Without this infrastructure, our state cannot guarantee
a balance between a vibrant economy and healthy environment.
While the Oklahoma Water Resources Board provides a very successful grant and
loan program that continues to be rated as a AAA program, it’s estimated that the agency will
not be able to satisfy the projected demand in the OCWP to fund our state’s communities
future needs for infrastructure without additional funding being made available to it. Particularly,
the greatest need over the next 50 years will be in small to medium-sized communities;
currently, some 75%+/- of the OWRB’s infrastructure funding is being used by these
communities.
Governor Mary Fallin and members of the 2nd Session of the 53rd Oklahoma Legislature
were quick to understand our state’s infrastructure needs as identified in the OCWP. As a
result they authorized State Question 764 be added to the November 6th General Election
Ballot in order to ensure adequate supplies of safe, clean and potable water for this and
future generations of Oklahomans.
If State Question 764 is passed by our state’s citizens, it will ensure the OWRB is able
to leverage bonding to continue providing for our communities water and wastewater
infrastructure needs through 2060.
A stunning view of the fall foliage
from Echota Public Access Area.